Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the Chair of the Friends of New Zealand Caucus, issued the below statement on the House passage of the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act.

“New Zealand is an important friend and partner of the United States. By passing the KIWI Act, Congress ensures our immigration policy reflects the value and importance of this relationship,” said Larsen. “Enabling New Zealand businesses and investors to access nonimmigrant visas will better facilitate trade and investment and help local economies across the U.S.”

As early as 2013, Congressman Larsen and Chairman Brady called on the Judiciary Committee asking that the Committee extend trade and investor visas (E-1 and E-2) to New Zealand. On July 20, 2017, Congressman Issa and Congressman Larsen introduced the KIWI Act in the House.

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